BILL NUMBER: ABX1 27	CHAPTERED  04/12/99

	CHAPTER   5
	FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE   APRIL 12, 1999
	APPROVED BY GOVERNOR   APRIL 12, 1999
	PASSED THE SENATE   MARCH 22, 1999
	PASSED THE ASSEMBLY   FEBRUARY 25, 1999
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY   FEBRUARY 25, 1999
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY   FEBRUARY 11, 1999

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Leach

                        JANUARY 19, 1999

   An act relating to teaching credentials.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 27, Leach.  State basic skills proficiency test.
   Existing law requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to
adopt and the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to administer the
state basic skills proficiency test to determine whether applicants
for teaching credentials are qualified to receive the credentials.
Existing law requires the State Board of Education to adopt statewide
academically rigorous content and performance standards in core
curriculum areas.
   This bill would require the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to
review the state basic skills proficiency test to evaluate the test'
s content validity, reliability, and passing scores.  The bill would
require the commission to submit a written report pertaining to this
review, including any findings and recommendations, to the
Legislature, the Governor, and the State Board of Education.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:


  SECTION 1.  (a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting the
act adding this section to evaluate the reliability and validity of
the content of the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) in
order to ensure that teachers employed by California public schools
are measured by a proper assessment of basic competency in areas of
reading, writing, and mathematics, and that the passing score is set
at an appropriate level.
   (b) The Commission on Teacher Credentialing shall review the state
basic skills proficiency test to evaluate the test's content
validity, reliability, and passing scores.  The Commission on Teacher
Credentialing shall submit a written report pertaining to the review
of the test, including any findings and recommendations, to the
Legislature, the Governor, and the State Board of Education on or
before January 1, 2001.
